First drive Audi Q8 e-Tron
A new name, but really a serious update for the e-Tron electric SUV. Martyn Collins
Remember the 2018 Audi e-Tron? Audi’s first production EV, its size put it between the Q5 and Q7, boasted the quality expected of the four rings, and offered a refined and tidy drive. All good if you could handle the range, which was barely over 200 miles.
Well, five years on and this is the updated e-Tron, except on top of a makeover and bigger battery, it gets a new name – the Q8 e-Tron.
Outside, the Q8 e-Tron, like the rest of the recent Audi range gets a more aggressive new look. This is made up of
Standard equipment: 21in alloy wheels, Virtual door mirrors, panoramic sunroof, black roof rails, Dinamica microfi bre/ leather trim, four-zone climate control, head-up display.
Engines: EV: 340hp, 408hp, 503hp
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line, Black Edition, Vorsprung, Launch Edition
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
a thorough de-chrome here, a new single- frame grille with the latest flush four-ring logo, a lightbar stretching between the lights and grille and air dam. At the side, there are new alloy wheel designs and on our ‘Launch Edition’ spec test car, virtual door mirrors. Move to the back, and there’s a new rear air dam, too. We also think the curvier Sportback body style (like our test car) is more elegant and attractive than the standard hatch. Inside, the changes are limited to new trim and material options. With the biggest changes taking place underneath, to resolve the previous e-Tron’s range issues. For example, this 55 spec-level version’s battery goes from 89kWh to 106kWh, with Audi claiming a WLTP range of 330 miles, although the most we saw during the time we had this car was 235 miles. There’s no doubt efficiency has improved, but we’re not sure if it’s enough even though the weather and use of this Audi were mixed during the time we had this car.
8/10 Positive
Good to drive, quality, equipment, interior space, charging times
Negative
Price, range, low-speed ride, digital mirrors
The battery pack has been upgraded, and the performance figures of our 55 still look impressive with 408hp and 664Nm of torque, equalling a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. Although there’s also a 340hp 50 version and an incoming 503hp SQ8 range-topper. On the road, this Q8 doesn’t feel as rapid as the figures suggest – its 2.5-tonne weight playing its part here. We think it’s probably better to think of this Audi as a refined family cruiser, thanks to the generally compliant air suspension. Although with our car running on 21in wheels, the low-speed ride was unsettled and there was noticeable road noise at speed. However, that’s probably being hard on the Q8 e-Tron, as the steering is reasonably precise, body control is good and there’s plenty of grip with the Quattro four-wheel drive set up.
Also getting a boost are the DC charging speeds which are up from 150kW to 170kW, equalling a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes.
Audi was one of the first to offer virtual door mirrors as an option on the e-Tron, but we’re still not fans - even though they’re standard on the Launch Edition. In the Q8, like the previous e-Tron, the screens are in our opinion positioned too low, causing you to look down, which surely isn’t good for safety. We’d choose conventional mirrors if there’s the option.
Audi Q8 e-Tron 55 Sportback quattro 5Dr Launch Edition
P11D £98,245 Residual value 42.1% Depreciation £56,830 Fuel £6,304 Service, maintenance and repair £3,534 Cost per mile 111p Range 330 miles CO2 (BIK %) 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month £32/£65 Luggage capacity 528 litres Battery size/power 106kWh/408hp
Whilst the interior might not have changed significantly, the Q8 e-Tron’s is as beautifully finished as you’d expect an Audi to be. The driving position and seats are comfortable. Space and headroom in the front and rear are also excellent and it has a practical 528-litre boot, which increases to 569 litres if you choose the standard Q8 e-Tron. Stowage in the centre console remains impressive, although it seems Audi has made better use of this space.
With prices starting at almost £70,000, we think the biggest problem for the Q8 e-Tron, is still its range when compared to rivals in this price bracket. Our Launch Edition test car was beautifully detailed but cost an eye-watering £97,585! Having spent a week with a Genesis Electrified GV70 just before this Audi, we feel the Genesis is better to drive, and it is more than £30,000 cheaper. Although the Electrified GV70 too could do with more range and perhaps doesn’t feel so special inside and out.
34 | May 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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